Ligature



y 6, 1930- G. MILLER I 1,757,871

LI GATURE Filed Nov. 15, 1928 1! b 5 L1 n2 6 INVENTOR Georg"; ILA/filer;

ATTORNE Patented May 6, 1930 UNHTED STATES GEORGE L. MILLER, 01: BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS LIGATURE Application filed November 15, 1928.

My invention relates to improvements in ligatures for the mouthpieces of saxophones, clarinets and the like.

It is an object of the invention to provide 5 a ligature which will permit ready adjustment of the reed of the mouthpiece when desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of'the above-mentioned character which is simple and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in use and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following specification.

In the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same Fig. 1, is a side elevation of a mouthpiece with my invention applied thereto,

Fig. 2, is a vertical section of the device showing the same tightened,

Fig. 3, is a similar view of the device showing the same loose,

Fig. 4, is a perspective view of the device without the adjusting means, and

Fig. 5, is a perspective view of the cam for adjusting the device.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration, I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 5, denotes a conventional type of mouthpiece used with musical instruments, such as the saxophone and clarinet. The mouthpiece is provided with the usual reed 6 and it is well known in the art that it is highly desirable to secure the reed to the mouthpiece, in such a manner, that it may be readily adjusted when desired.

Referring more particularly to my invention, I provide a metallic strap 7, which encircles the mouthpiece 5, the ends of the strap being disposed in overlapping relation, as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The end 8 has a reduced tongue 9 projecting therefrom,

having an aperture 10, to receive the bolt 11 which extends upwardly through the slot 12 in the end 13 of the strap. The bolt 11 is so provided with a squareportion 14, adapted Serial No. 319,598.

to fit the square opening 15in the cam 16 and a wing nut 17 threaded on the upper end of the bolt holds the cam in place. Thus, it is seen that the cam is eccentrically mounted on the bolt and when turned its pe- '55 ripheral edge contacts with the upturned flange 18, at the extremity of the end 13 of the strap, causing the strap to contract. Upon release of the cam the strap will expand by reason of the resiliency of the metal.

In use, the strap is mounted on the mouthpiece, so as to extend over one end of the reed and upon actuation of the cam the strap may be tightened or loosened, thereby per mitting the reed to be easily and readily adjusted when desired.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that certain changes in the shape, size and arrangement of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims:

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. A ligature for the mouthpiece of a musical instrument comprising a split band having its ends disposed in overlapping relation, one end of the band being bent upwardly to provide a flange and a cam carried by the other end of the band adapted to contact with said flange, whereby the band will be contracted upon rotation of the cam.

2. A ligature for the mouthpiece of a musical instrument comprising a split band having its ends disposed in overlapping relation, one end of the band being bent upwardly to provide a flange, a bolt carried by the other end of the band extending upward ly through a slot in the overlapping end, and a cam mounted on said bolt adapted to contact with said flange upon rotation of the cam.

3. A ligature for the mouthpiece of a musical instrument comprising a split band, one end of the band being disposed in overlapping relation with respect to the other and having its end bent upwardly to provide a flange, a bolt extending upwardly from the other end of the band, through a slot in the overlapping end, said bolt having a square portion, a cam fitted on the square portion of said bolt adapted to contact with said flange when turned, and a nut screwed on the upper end of said bolt.

4. A ligature for the mouthpiece of a musical instrument comprising a split hand, one end of theband being disposed in overlapping relation with respect to the other and having its end bent upwardly to provide a flange, a bolt extending upwardly from the other end of the band, through a slot in the overlapping end a cam fixedly mounted on said bolt adapted to contact with said flange when turned, and a nut screwed on the upper end of said bolt.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

GEORGE L. MILLER. 

